Gasunie creates greater scope for biomethane with network connection between Zeeland and Noord-Brabant
Press release
In late July, Gasunie completed a connection between the existing underground gas networks near Axel in the province of Zeeland and Ossendrecht in Noord-Brabant. This network connection will create additional transport capacity for biomethane, giving both current and new producers greater scope to supply sustainable gas to the network. As a result, more home-grown sustainable energy will be available to domestic households, industry and transport, thereby facilitating further growth of biomethane production.
Reuse of existing gas pipelines
To make the connection in the regional network, Gasunie used an existing natural gas pipeline that is no longer needed to transport natural gas. As a result, no new pipelines needed to be laid. Reusing existing infrastructure reduces the amount of work needed, avoids using extra materials and minimises the impact on local communities. Work was only carried out at Gasunie sites outside the built-up area. The connection work was recently completed.
Greater scope for biomethane growth
Biomethane is produced all year round, but gas demand is highly seasonal. This leads to regular local surpluses, especially in the summer. The connection between the Zeeland and Noord-Brabant gas networks will make it easier to transport biomethane to areas where there is demand, meaning better network utilisation and scope for further production growth.
This extra capacity is badly needed. Domestic biomethane production grew by 14% last year and the number of producers grew from 92 to 108. Over the coming years, great efforts will be made to further increase the share of biomethane to 2 billion m3 per year.
Investing in the future of biomethane
Noord-Brabant has great potential for biomethane production, given the availability of organic waste streams from agriculture and farming. Gasunie is therefore investing in infrastructure expansion at several locations in the province.
In addition to the network connection between Axel and Ossendrecht, biomethane boosters will soon be connected in Tilburg and Mill. These installations raise the pressure of biomethane, so that it can be fed into Gasunie’s transport network from the Enexis network. Together, these projects will make a greater amount of sustainably produced gas available for domestic households, companies and industry.
About biomethane
Biomethane is produced from organic waste streams, such as food waste and sewage sludge. Anaerobic digestion and gasification turn these waste streams into sustainable gas. Biomethane is a fully sustainable substitute for natural gas and can be transported and used in the existing gas infrastructure. This home-grown energy can then be used as-is by domestic households, industry and transport.